It is shaping up to be another above-average wildfire season across parts of Canada.
Federal officials provided an update on the situation and the latest forecasts on Monday.
Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson said more than 470 fires are currently burning, mainly in Alberta, British Columbia and the Northwest Territories.
“Over 3.4 million hectares have burned thus far this year. We are already above the 25-year average of area burned,” Wilkinson told reporters.
Above-normal fire activity is expected to continue in western Canada in August and September, according to the latest forecasts.
Wildfires have impacted 74 First Nation communities so far this year, with nearly 30 communities currently seeing impacts.
“This has resulted in the evacuation of 21 First Nation communities since the spring. As we speak, seven are still evacuated,” said MP Jenica Awtin, parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services.
Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan said Canada is getting a lot of help from around the world as it battles the fires.
“We are grateful for the assistance of over 700 international firefighters from Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, the United States, Costa Rica and South Africa,” said Sajjan.
More than 600 of those firefighters are currently on the ground in Alberta, he said.
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